Drugs, crime and their impact on the community: DUMA Annual Conference 2009

Introduction

The Australian Institute of Criminology is Australia's national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The Institute seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice.

On Thursday 10 September and Friday 11 September 2009, the AIC in partnership with the South Australian Attorney-General's Department will host a national conference on drug use, crime and their impact on the community and the criminal justice system, at the Hilton Hotel, Adelaide.

Conference Themes

In 2008, 64 percent of police detainees tested positive to at least one drug. Of these, 43 percent attributed at least some of their offending to their drug use. Additionally, 62 percent of police detainees had used alcohol 48 hours prior to arrest. These results highlight the important relationship between drug and alcohol misuse and crime; an issue that remains both relevant and pressing for policy makers and practitioners working in the criminal justice system.

This conference will be an excellent opportunity for individuals and relevant agencies to engage in discussion about current drug, alcohol and crime-related issues as well as future policy and research priorities. The major themes of the conference include: drug and alcohol trends amongst offenders, the links between mental health and drugs among women, the role of geography in understanding crime and drug markets, the impact of drugs on communities and the role of criminal justice interventions in reducing drug-related crime.

Additionally, keynote speaker Judge Peggy Fulton Hora (Ret) will lead a number of discussion forums focusing on the role of courts and corrective service agencies in managing drug dependent offenders. These discussion panels will have a special focus on drug courts, therapeutic jurisprudence, and addiction management in the criminal justice system.